About Buffalo Billion

Our Moment is Now

In an extraordinary recognition of Western New York’s potential, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has committed an historic $1 billion investment in the Buffalo area economy to create thousands of jobs and spur billions in new investment and economic activity over the next several years. This $1 billion commitment to economic excellence is setting a new growth trajectory for jobs and the regional economy.

“Because of Governor Cuomo’s dedication to Buffalo and Western New York, we are seeing a dramatic shift in the region’s landscape. We can see the transformation in the people, places and sectors we’re investing in and Buffalo is getting recognized on the national stage like never before. With our shared vision we will continue to reinvigorate the Western New York economy and shape a sustainable economic future.”

Virginia Horvath, SUNY Fredonia President & WNYREDC Co-Chair

“Buffalo is riding a large wave of positive economic development; fueled by the strategic investment of Governor Cuomo’s Buffalo Billion initiative. The advanced manufacturing, life sciences and tourism sectors are all benefiting as new buildings go up, businesses move in and jobs are created. The REDC is thrilled to be a part of this resurgence that has people locally and nationally saying, ‘It’s a great time to live and work in Buffalo.”

--Jeff Belt, WNYREDC Co-chair

“A Path to Renewal: The Buffalo Billion Investment Development Plan” serves as a roadmap for implementation. Developed by the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, it identifies six high-level strategies and the unique assets that will move the region forward on the path to sustainable, next-economy growth. High potential sectors include advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and tourism, while key enablers include entrepreneurship, workforce development and smart growth. The strategies are mutually reinforcing and together provide a framework that encompasses, contextualizes and aligns existing efforts, and guides future economic growth initiatives.

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, an amazing opportunity. We can’t thank Governor Cuomo enough for recognizing the need in our region for this tremendous boost, and for having the confidence in our region to develop and implement a thoughtful well researched plan, and to implement it." Howard A. Zemsky, President & CEO of Empire State Development and Commissioner of the State of the New York State Department of Economic Development

This funding isn't going to be used as a single silver bullet; it is helping set up a comprehensive and diverse portfolio of investments that collectively is driving the future of Buffalo’s continuing economic recovery. By inviting large investments in growth industries—similar to those which made New York’s Capital region into a world-class center for nanotechnology innovation and the home of major semiconductor manufacturers—the Governor’s plan for Buffalo is designed to create thousands of jobs and spur billions of dollars of new private sector investment and economic activity while setting the foundation for sustainable economic opportunity for future generations.

In January 2017, Governor Cuomo announced his proposal for a $500 million expansion of the Buffalo Billion initiative to continue building on the renewed economic engines and reinvigorated civic spirit throughout Buffalo and the entire Western New York region. While the original Buffalo Billion created a dramatic shift in the dierction of the region's economy, this second phase will focus on ensuring that all Western New Yorkers have an improved quality of life and a role to play in the new Buffalo.

We will create a region that is admired worldwide, that attracts more people to live, learn, work and visit; where entrepreneurs and businesses want to invest their time and capital; and where all our institutions reflect a transformative culture of inclusion, continuos improvement, adaptation and excellence.